CA2305251C - Universal platform for human powered floatation devices - Google Patents
Universal platform for human powered floatation devices Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2305251C CA2305251C CA002305251A CA2305251A CA2305251C CA 2305251 C CA2305251 C CA 2305251C CA 002305251 A CA002305251 A CA 002305251A CA 2305251 A CA2305251 A CA 2305251A CA 2305251 C CA2305251 C CA 2305251C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- frame
- support arm
- attached
- propeller
- crossbar
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
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Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
- B63H16/00—Marine propulsion by muscle power
- B63H16/08—Other apparatus for converting muscle power into propulsive effort
- B63H16/12—Other apparatus for converting muscle power into propulsive effort using hand levers, cranks, pedals, or the like, e.g. water cycles, boats propelled by boat-mounted pedal cycles
- B63H16/14—Other apparatus for converting muscle power into propulsive effort using hand levers, cranks, pedals, or the like, e.g. water cycles, boats propelled by boat-mounted pedal cycles for propelled drive
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63B—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; EQUIPMENT FOR SHIPPING
- B63B34/00—Vessels specially adapted for water sports or leisure; Body-supporting devices specially adapted for water sports or leisure
- B63B34/50—Body-supporting buoyant devices, e.g. bathing boats or water cycles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B63—SHIPS OR OTHER WATERBORNE VESSELS; RELATED EQUIPMENT
- B63H—MARINE PROPULSION OR STEERING
- B63H23/00—Transmitting power from propulsion power plant to propulsive elements
- B63H23/02—Transmitting power from propulsion power plant to propulsive elements with mechanical gearing
- B63H2023/0208—Transmitting power from propulsion power plant to propulsive elements with mechanical gearing by means of endless flexible members
- B63H2023/0216—Transmitting power from propulsion power plant to propulsive elements with mechanical gearing by means of endless flexible members by means of belts, or the like
- B63H2023/0225—Transmitting power from propulsion power plant to propulsive elements with mechanical gearing by means of endless flexible members by means of belts, or the like of grooved belts, i.e. with one or more grooves in longitudinal direction of the belt
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ocean & Marine Engineering (AREA)
- Motorcycle And Bicycle Frame (AREA)
- Accommodation For Nursing Or Treatment Tables (AREA)
- Invalid Beds And Related Equipment (AREA)
Abstract
A universal platform (10) for a human powered floatation device suitable to fit multiple types of propulsion devices is disclosed. The device has a frame with two rail members (16, 18) positioned in a spaced relationship. An adjustable attachment means having a support arm and a crossbar is provided for securing the propeller drive assembly (36), seats and pedal means to the frame. The crossbar defines a channel that is closely received by the frame and the support arm has a first end that is closely received between the rail members of the frame so that the support arm may be adjusted longitudinally along the frame. A standard rudder (34) and steering assembly are provided to steer the floatation device.
Description
UNIVIrRSAL PLATFOR,J~1 FOR, tfUhfAN PO~'ER.E:D FLOATATION DEVICES
BACKGROUND OF THF INVENTION
s ~Id Qf tb~ toY' Tbc prexat invention rclatcx to human powacd wua aaR. More partiarlarly, tbc iaverntion rctues w t wua ash having a urtiversaJ platform that cut be powered by a variety of humor powaad devices, such as a bicycle to ,~~u~
The dcvcbpmcut of individual pedal pawaad flotation devices begin a Icast as early as 1967, wbut Zimmama,a (1;1 S, Purnt No 3,35,276) disclosed a pontoon bast Raving a sot, pedals and handlcbus, each urtiqucly dcsi,gxtcd for use an the boat, utachcd is a a>abguratioa simile to a bicycle However, the srxt, pedals and tuodlebars was is dedicated fa use with the pontoon boat and could not be used with a fuaaioning bicycle.
Hawc! (U S Pucw No 3"709,185) discloses an amphibious motor bike capable of opaatirtg oa Lwd and carrying e.t~c r~ocesury c~uipment for traveling ova water.
l3efac tnvding ova waur, soaionalizcd pontoons arc Cairn from the side carriers to be assembled and trtfluod A water txaddlc is rtxxuttad onto the rur wh~l tn t"
rnrm..,.i ~o thereby nerd thus propel tbc mover bike ova the wua Steering is coacrollod by the front handlebars aRa a rudder swims dowwNard into place below the front whxl However, this wua going vase! is not very maneuverable Hill (U.S Puexu No 3,982,95) duclosa l bic.-ycle powered boo having an ~cg~od. bydrodyaamiully shapod~ I'tull corr~prising farward and rtat bull sections 13 uniquely daignod to be secured to and driven by a conventional bicycle.
Bout huU
s~oaioas could be asouatcd oa and um~cd oa a rear bicycle carrier or be ranoved liom tbc bicycle entirely This dcvicr uses a rudder on the forward huU to steer The vessel is powered by a propeUa coupled to a friction roller en8,aging the rear bicycle wheel.
HowNa, reliance oa friction for tranumission of powca~ to the propdla is less than so dainble, espxially when the wheel a.nd rolls will invariably get wet.
Ankat a a! (U S Puau No 4,C~9?,9~5) discloses a float for attachment to the WO 00/13968 PC~'/U599/20515
BACKGROUND OF THF INVENTION
s ~Id Qf tb~ toY' Tbc prexat invention rclatcx to human powacd wua aaR. More partiarlarly, tbc iaverntion rctues w t wua ash having a urtiversaJ platform that cut be powered by a variety of humor powaad devices, such as a bicycle to ,~~u~
The dcvcbpmcut of individual pedal pawaad flotation devices begin a Icast as early as 1967, wbut Zimmama,a (1;1 S, Purnt No 3,35,276) disclosed a pontoon bast Raving a sot, pedals and handlcbus, each urtiqucly dcsi,gxtcd for use an the boat, utachcd is a a>abguratioa simile to a bicycle However, the srxt, pedals and tuodlebars was is dedicated fa use with the pontoon boat and could not be used with a fuaaioning bicycle.
Hawc! (U S Pucw No 3"709,185) discloses an amphibious motor bike capable of opaatirtg oa Lwd and carrying e.t~c r~ocesury c~uipment for traveling ova water.
l3efac tnvding ova waur, soaionalizcd pontoons arc Cairn from the side carriers to be assembled and trtfluod A water txaddlc is rtxxuttad onto the rur wh~l tn t"
rnrm..,.i ~o thereby nerd thus propel tbc mover bike ova the wua Steering is coacrollod by the front handlebars aRa a rudder swims dowwNard into place below the front whxl However, this wua going vase! is not very maneuverable Hill (U.S Puexu No 3,982,95) duclosa l bic.-ycle powered boo having an ~cg~od. bydrodyaamiully shapod~ I'tull corr~prising farward and rtat bull sections 13 uniquely daignod to be secured to and driven by a conventional bicycle.
Bout huU
s~oaioas could be asouatcd oa and um~cd oa a rear bicycle carrier or be ranoved liom tbc bicycle entirely This dcvicr uses a rudder on the forward huU to steer The vessel is powered by a propeUa coupled to a friction roller en8,aging the rear bicycle wheel.
HowNa, reliance oa friction for tranumission of powca~ to the propdla is less than so dainble, espxially when the wheel a.nd rolls will invariably get wet.
Ankat a a! (U S Puau No 4,C~9?,9~5) discloses a float for attachment to the WO 00/13968 PC~'/U599/20515
2' frame and axles of a s~urydud biryclc The bicycle pedals uc providod with paddle weans and the front whorl is provide with a rudder >~lawcva, the paddles provide very low power and ~cicncy of cfTort Chew (U S Patent No .i,:B:S,ti74) discloses a ilaat for a s:andud bicycle, similar s to Ar~at a al about, cxcrpt that irK front whorl is pravidod with a solid cirwlu disc to act as a rudder and the spo~a of the bacl whorl have impcllct cups or vanes attacltod chacw Howrvcr, this arrangement is also low in pawn and efficiency Schncida (U S Pucnt ha ~I,a~2?,392) discloses an outboud propdla drive and stoalrtg assembly ftx a boat The (x~al drivca system utilize a plurality of gees, Jo slxockas, and universal faints to provide a propdla that is stoaablt with a single rotating hand grip Howewa, the s;ys~tem is dedicated to use with a spaially designod boat and the gear ratio is Fueod Cunningtum (U S Patau rya 5,22.1,886) diseiases a pontoon with a tubule uructurc to support a uandard bicycle The front whoel ~s rcmovod and the front fork is Js aaacbad to a support that is conrkcte~d to a fTOru rudder The rear wheel of the bicycles rau on a rotating drum to transfrr pcuwa to the drive propdla Howrva, the device still sufi'ers from many of tbc probkms mentionai above Cunninghun (U.S Patau N~o 5,387,1 ~0) disciascs a pontoon with a tubular uruaurc to support a standard bicyelc having a combinod propdla/rudda unit.
The rear Zo whcds of the bicycle rest on a rotatinE; drum to truufa power through a flexible drive stuff to tbc drive propeller The front fort is conncctad with an elaborate diroctiocul coauol syucm the operates to turn the apparatus in the diroction of the handle bars.
Despite the above anemptx to provide human pawaod flotuion dtvict, there rcrruins a aced for an itnprovod dewicae that is universally adaptod to srveral difl;'ucnt 1s types of drvica, a iightwcight, and is Guy to assemble !t wed be desirable if the dcvi~u would allow for the use of oquipmcnt already ownod by the operates or that the device be adjustable so that user': of any sizr can adjust the drvicr to fit them pasoruJly It would also be useful if the equipment could be quickly and easily ruounted and dismouraod from the devicx
The rear Zo whcds of the bicycle rest on a rotatinE; drum to truufa power through a flexible drive stuff to tbc drive propeller The front fort is conncctad with an elaborate diroctiocul coauol syucm the operates to turn the apparatus in the diroction of the handle bars.
Despite the above anemptx to provide human pawaod flotuion dtvict, there rcrruins a aced for an itnprovod dewicae that is universally adaptod to srveral difl;'ucnt 1s types of drvica, a iightwcight, and is Guy to assemble !t wed be desirable if the dcvi~u would allow for the use of oquipmcnt already ownod by the operates or that the device be adjustable so that user': of any sizr can adjust the drvicr to fit them pasoruJly It would also be useful if the equipment could be quickly and easily ruounted and dismouraod from the devicx
3 In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus comprising a frame having a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end, and two rail members positioned in a spaced apart relationship, at least two transverse members adjustably attached to the frame, having opposing ends extending away from the longitudinal axis of the frame, a first floatation member attached to one of the opposing ends of the transverse member, a second floatation member attached to the other opposing end of the transverse member; at least one adjustable attachment means comprising a support arm and a crossbar, wherein the crossbar defines a to channel that is closely received by the frame and the support arm has a first end that is closely received between the rail members of the frame, wherein the crossbar is removably attached to the first end of the support arm; a propeller drive assembly attached to the second end of the support arm of the attachment means, a rudder attached to the frame, and a crank mechanism adjustably mounted on the frame.
The present invention provides a universal platform for human powered floatation devices. The platform has a frame having a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end, and two rail members positioned in a spaced apart relationship.
There is at least one transverse member adjustably attached to the frame, having opposing ends extending away from the longitudinal axis of the frame. A first and 2o second floatation member is attached to one of the opposing ends of the transverse member. There is at least one adjustable attachment means comprising a support arm and a crossbar, wherein the crossbar defines a channel that is closely received by the frame and the support arm has a first end that is closely received between the rail members of the frame. The crossbar is removably attached to the first end of the support arm. A propeller drive assembly is attached to the second end of the support arm of the attachment means. A rudder is attached to the frame. A crank mechanism is adjustably mounted on the frame.
3a Preferably, the first end of the support arm defines an annular shoulder facing the first end that contacts the rail members of the frame when the crossbar is attached to the support arm. The frame preferably has two outer side surfaces connected to two inner side surfaces by a top surface and a bottom surface. The channel defined by the crossbar has two side surfaces connected by a bottom surface. The support arm is in intimate contact with the inner side surfaces of the frame and the side surfaces of the crossbar are in intimate contact with the outer side surfaces of the frame when the support arm is attached to the frame.
Preferably, the frame includes a first male clamp member defining a pair of to channels. The rail members of the frame are closely received in the channels and a fastening means extends through one transverse member and into the male clamp member such that the transverse member is adjustably attached to the frame. A
second male clamp member is preferably provided to attach the second transverse member to the frame.
The support arm can form a generally perpendicular angle with the longitudinal axis of the frame or it can form an angle with the frame, depending on the type of device being used with the frame.
The propeller drive assembly can have a transverse axle disconnectably connected
The present invention provides a universal platform for human powered floatation devices. The platform has a frame having a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end, and two rail members positioned in a spaced apart relationship.
There is at least one transverse member adjustably attached to the frame, having opposing ends extending away from the longitudinal axis of the frame. A first and 2o second floatation member is attached to one of the opposing ends of the transverse member. There is at least one adjustable attachment means comprising a support arm and a crossbar, wherein the crossbar defines a channel that is closely received by the frame and the support arm has a first end that is closely received between the rail members of the frame. The crossbar is removably attached to the first end of the support arm. A propeller drive assembly is attached to the second end of the support arm of the attachment means. A rudder is attached to the frame. A crank mechanism is adjustably mounted on the frame.
3a Preferably, the first end of the support arm defines an annular shoulder facing the first end that contacts the rail members of the frame when the crossbar is attached to the support arm. The frame preferably has two outer side surfaces connected to two inner side surfaces by a top surface and a bottom surface. The channel defined by the crossbar has two side surfaces connected by a bottom surface. The support arm is in intimate contact with the inner side surfaces of the frame and the side surfaces of the crossbar are in intimate contact with the outer side surfaces of the frame when the support arm is attached to the frame.
Preferably, the frame includes a first male clamp member defining a pair of to channels. The rail members of the frame are closely received in the channels and a fastening means extends through one transverse member and into the male clamp member such that the transverse member is adjustably attached to the frame. A
second male clamp member is preferably provided to attach the second transverse member to the frame.
The support arm can form a generally perpendicular angle with the longitudinal axis of the frame or it can form an angle with the frame, depending on the type of device being used with the frame.
The propeller drive assembly can have a transverse axle disconnectably connected
4 to the rcxr mourttirtg brackets, a drive: gczr assembly mountod concrnttically about the axle comprising a chun spracla rigidly coupled to an upper drive belt sprocka, utd fire and srcond bcariag: fixed at opposite asd.s of the assembly and cngagiag the axle to allow the assembly to spin &«ly ahem the tile, a rigid arm downwudly depending from s the axle having a lows rnd, a hoaxing actachod to the lows end of the rigid arm and having a rcarwudly cxtarding axis of rotation, a propc,lla shag attending through the housing having a propdla attachai to ,~ furst aid, a fast trashing, a second bushing, and a bwcr drive belt sprocket afuplod to a socond end, a drive heft frictiocully engaging the upper and laws drive belt sprockas, acxi an idler couplof to tbc rigid arm in contact with to the upper drier belt sprocka 'fhe idlar is adaptad to adjust the tatsion on the drive belt.
The chafes sprocka clu.s:er is bal y ,accessible for rngagcmeat with a chain so that pedaling the sank a~nchanism causes tlK propeller to move the flotation device.
1'rcfasbly, the rigid um is curvilincu sc~ that ttx rigid arm is positiortablt outside tbc frame wbca the drive belt is positioned bawocn the rail member of the frame. In is addition, the propcllex drive uscmbly is axially adjustable for the purpose of trimming the propdla to the duirod height arui for moving when it contacts submasod objexu.
PrefaaDly, the Iowa drive belt sproc:km of the propeller drive assembly is submusible.
~o So that the about rcritod fcat~ur~ and advanugcs of the present invcntioa can bt unda>aood in detail, a abort pxnicular description of the invention, briefly summarizod above, auy be had by refaencr to ttK rmbodimcnts theroof which ue illustratod in the appextdcd drawings It is to be noted, bowevu, that the appcnde>d drawings illusuate only typical embodiments of this invention and ue, therefore, mot to be coasidaed limiting of 25 its scope, for the invention nay admit to other equally effective embodiments Figure 1 is a paspoctivc view of the universal platform of the presan invention;
Figwe : is a cross-saxional vicr~~ of the support arrn of the prtscnt invention;
Figure 3 is an eacplodod vie~rv of the support arm attachod to the frame;
Figure .t is a cross-~s~ional vu:w of a frame aruchtd to the trsnsvasr member;
3o Figwe 5 side view of one embodiment of the presc~~t invention;
Figure 6 is a schcautic view of the propeller drive usembly in one embodiment WO Ob/I39G8 PCT/US99/2b5I5 of the prcsau invcation, Figure 7 is a schcmuic view of the propeller drive assembly of the present tnvcruwn, Figure 8 is an exploded view of the housing shown in Figure ?, s Figure 9 is an rnlugcd view ofthc propeller drive sxscmbly shown in Figure 1.
Figure 10 is a schematic vi~rw of an additional embodiment of the prexat mvcat~on to Tbt prtsrat invention relates to a uruvcrsa7 pluform for human powered flouation devices More paruculuty, the prtscnt invention relater to a universal platform thu a adjusuble and can be adapted for use with a uandud bicycle, a skiing machitu, a raumbcnt bicycle, chair stating cycle or the like One aspacx of tt~t invention provider a universal pluform having a flame with 1~ two rail members positioned is a spa,;.cd relationship puallcl to one another. The rail member ca.a be asadc from aluminum, uainlas ual or like awaials that ue light weight and durable Tbac uc typically two or more truuversc members attached to the )carne for holding float~uion members such as pontoons The transverse members arc prdaably round rods made of aluminum, plastic, uainlcss ucel or similar material. The transverse members uc prcfersbly substantially pcrpcndiaulu to the frame and ue atucbod to tbc frame using a malt clamp member The malt clamp member defiaax a pair of channels, what each channel is si~cd to tocxsve one of the nil members n lbolt or other tistaung means can be used to fasten the aide clamp member to the transverse member with the franc positioned in the a chraacJ The charnel provides multiple points of contact be:wren the male clamp manba and the franc, thus Insuring a sable attachment. The transverse members are adapted sa thu a pair of pocuoons may be rcmovably attachad thaao The pontoons arc prdasbly made from lightweight fiberglass material or other lightweight molding taataia! do thu they may be positio~~ad and removed from the fiamt with tae )o AI least one adjustable attaClmcnt means is attached to the franc for mounting various cottvpoacrus of the human po~wexa! floatation device to the franc The adjustable attachment means has a support arm and a crossbar. The crossbar defines a channel that is closely received by the frame. The support arm has a first end that is closely received between the rail members of the frame and is attached to the crossbar. This configuration allows one to adjust the position of the support arm longitudinally on the frame while providing a secure mounting means that resists side-to-side or back-and-forth movement when secure to the frame. This type of attachment means is useful for attaching most components to the frame, including seats and mounting brackets for various chain drive mechanisms and the propeller drive assembly.
A propeller drive assembly is attached to the second end of the support arm of the attachment means. In addition, the propeller drive assembly is attached to a crank mechanism adjustably mounted on the frame. The crank mechanism is used typically with pedals to impart a rotational force on the propeller drive assembly, which is then translated to the propeller to move the floatation device. The crank mechanism can be a chain sprocket assembly such as a standard bicycle sprocket, a stand-alone pedal system with a chain sprocket assembly, or a flywheel such as that used on a ski machine.
A rudder is fixed to the rail members near the second end of the frame.
Preferably, the rudder is attached to a steering member which can be connected to the frame in a number of ways depending on the type of device being used with the frame.
Regardless of what type of crank mechanism used to generate rotational force, a bracket is positioned near the first end of the frame for holding either the front end of a bicycle or the crank mechanism. The bracket is mounted on a second adjustable attachment means similar to that described above. The bracket is therefore adjustable longitudinally with respect to the frame and can be adjusted to fit the particular device desired. The bracket for use with a bicycle can be of the forked type like that described in U.S. Patent No. 5,547,406 to White. If a ski machine is being used with the universal platform, the bracket may be of the type described in U.S.
Patent No.
The chafes sprocka clu.s:er is bal y ,accessible for rngagcmeat with a chain so that pedaling the sank a~nchanism causes tlK propeller to move the flotation device.
1'rcfasbly, the rigid um is curvilincu sc~ that ttx rigid arm is positiortablt outside tbc frame wbca the drive belt is positioned bawocn the rail member of the frame. In is addition, the propcllex drive uscmbly is axially adjustable for the purpose of trimming the propdla to the duirod height arui for moving when it contacts submasod objexu.
PrefaaDly, the Iowa drive belt sproc:km of the propeller drive assembly is submusible.
~o So that the about rcritod fcat~ur~ and advanugcs of the present invcntioa can bt unda>aood in detail, a abort pxnicular description of the invention, briefly summarizod above, auy be had by refaencr to ttK rmbodimcnts theroof which ue illustratod in the appextdcd drawings It is to be noted, bowevu, that the appcnde>d drawings illusuate only typical embodiments of this invention and ue, therefore, mot to be coasidaed limiting of 25 its scope, for the invention nay admit to other equally effective embodiments Figure 1 is a paspoctivc view of the universal platform of the presan invention;
Figwe : is a cross-saxional vicr~~ of the support arrn of the prtscnt invention;
Figure 3 is an eacplodod vie~rv of the support arm attachod to the frame;
Figure .t is a cross-~s~ional vu:w of a frame aruchtd to the trsnsvasr member;
3o Figwe 5 side view of one embodiment of the presc~~t invention;
Figure 6 is a schcautic view of the propeller drive usembly in one embodiment WO Ob/I39G8 PCT/US99/2b5I5 of the prcsau invcation, Figure 7 is a schcmuic view of the propeller drive assembly of the present tnvcruwn, Figure 8 is an exploded view of the housing shown in Figure ?, s Figure 9 is an rnlugcd view ofthc propeller drive sxscmbly shown in Figure 1.
Figure 10 is a schematic vi~rw of an additional embodiment of the prexat mvcat~on to Tbt prtsrat invention relates to a uruvcrsa7 pluform for human powered flouation devices More paruculuty, the prtscnt invention relater to a universal platform thu a adjusuble and can be adapted for use with a uandud bicycle, a skiing machitu, a raumbcnt bicycle, chair stating cycle or the like One aspacx of tt~t invention provider a universal pluform having a flame with 1~ two rail members positioned is a spa,;.cd relationship puallcl to one another. The rail member ca.a be asadc from aluminum, uainlas ual or like awaials that ue light weight and durable Tbac uc typically two or more truuversc members attached to the )carne for holding float~uion members such as pontoons The transverse members arc prdaably round rods made of aluminum, plastic, uainlcss ucel or similar material. The transverse members uc prcfersbly substantially pcrpcndiaulu to the frame and ue atucbod to tbc frame using a malt clamp member The malt clamp member defiaax a pair of channels, what each channel is si~cd to tocxsve one of the nil members n lbolt or other tistaung means can be used to fasten the aide clamp member to the transverse member with the franc positioned in the a chraacJ The charnel provides multiple points of contact be:wren the male clamp manba and the franc, thus Insuring a sable attachment. The transverse members are adapted sa thu a pair of pocuoons may be rcmovably attachad thaao The pontoons arc prdasbly made from lightweight fiberglass material or other lightweight molding taataia! do thu they may be positio~~ad and removed from the fiamt with tae )o AI least one adjustable attaClmcnt means is attached to the franc for mounting various cottvpoacrus of the human po~wexa! floatation device to the franc The adjustable attachment means has a support arm and a crossbar. The crossbar defines a channel that is closely received by the frame. The support arm has a first end that is closely received between the rail members of the frame and is attached to the crossbar. This configuration allows one to adjust the position of the support arm longitudinally on the frame while providing a secure mounting means that resists side-to-side or back-and-forth movement when secure to the frame. This type of attachment means is useful for attaching most components to the frame, including seats and mounting brackets for various chain drive mechanisms and the propeller drive assembly.
A propeller drive assembly is attached to the second end of the support arm of the attachment means. In addition, the propeller drive assembly is attached to a crank mechanism adjustably mounted on the frame. The crank mechanism is used typically with pedals to impart a rotational force on the propeller drive assembly, which is then translated to the propeller to move the floatation device. The crank mechanism can be a chain sprocket assembly such as a standard bicycle sprocket, a stand-alone pedal system with a chain sprocket assembly, or a flywheel such as that used on a ski machine.
A rudder is fixed to the rail members near the second end of the frame.
Preferably, the rudder is attached to a steering member which can be connected to the frame in a number of ways depending on the type of device being used with the frame.
Regardless of what type of crank mechanism used to generate rotational force, a bracket is positioned near the first end of the frame for holding either the front end of a bicycle or the crank mechanism. The bracket is mounted on a second adjustable attachment means similar to that described above. The bracket is therefore adjustable longitudinally with respect to the frame and can be adjusted to fit the particular device desired. The bracket for use with a bicycle can be of the forked type like that described in U.S. Patent No. 5,547,406 to White. If a ski machine is being used with the universal platform, the bracket may be of the type described in U.S.
Patent No.
5,702,274 to White.
More specifically, it is preferred that the first end of the support arm defines an annular shoulder facing the first end. The shoulder contacts the rail members of the frame when the crossbar is attached to the support arm. Thus, the frame has two outer WO 00/13968 PC,'T/US99/20515 sidr surficrs, conr>ectal to twn inrxx side surfaces by a top surfau and a bottom surfact.
Tbc charurcl dcfiaod by the uossbu hu two side surfaces connoctod by a bosom uuface.
The support um is in intimate corttux with the inner side surfaces of the frame and the bosom wrface of tbc uossbu, uud the side surfaces of the uossbu uc in intimate s toaua with the outs side ssrrfaucs of thr &amc when the support arm is seauely atgagod with the frsms Therefore, vvhcn the attacttmcnt rrxans is in plats, the support arm hu multiple points of coruactt, thus resisting any axial, tataal or other type of movamcru This type of adjustable a tachmcnt means is useful, because it is simple in design yet provides a u,tble toad bcuung support that c:ut be adjustod in position to suit to the roads of the uses 'fbc support arm un be made from uainlexs stay aluminum of other tugh sua>,gth, rigid tnucru!
The propclla drive assembly usod in the presrnt invention includes a transverse axle discoaacctably conrscctod to a p»r rear mounting braclcts rnouate~d on the frame.
The rear mounting braclets ue mckwtod to the frame using an attachrtsent means as is dcsuibed above what the bracla is attached to the saond rnd of the support arm. A
drive gear assembly is mouated coauxstricxlly about the axle and tsar a chain sprocket rigidly :roupkd to an upper drive belt sprocket and fus~t and second bearings fixod at opposite rnds of the assrmbly which engage with the axle to allow the assembly to spot >ieely about the txk A rigid ar>rt ~do~wnwardly depends from the axle having a lower ~o end A tows beuing is utuhed to the Iowa aui of tbc rigid arm, what the Iowa bearing lass a rcarwudly cxtcrtding axis of rotation that is gcaaally normal to the upper drive belt sproc,~ca axis of rotation A propclla shaft cx~tcads through the Iowa beuing with a propdla atuchod to a fuse end and a lower drive belt sprocket couplod to a sacond end A drive bch atgxga the uppa~ a.nd Iowa driv-c belt sprockets such that the drive 1s belt passrs ova the idles The drive belt is a sxandud tirr,ing belt with grooves. An idler is coupled to the rigid arm adjacent ttk upper drive kxtt sproclet The idly is adaptod to align the drive heft so that it passes thfo~ugh the rails withwxrt touching the rails The idler tray alw be usod to asairuain trnsioa oa the belt The chain sprocjcet cluster is fretly accessible for engagement with a bicyclr chain or other chain so that pedaling tbt bicycle cause the propdla to push the flotatiort device forward The rigid arm provides a paint of attachment for the drive gear assembly, tbt idles, and the propcUa The arm is bKnt such thu the assscmbly can be mountod an the frame and the drive gar assembly is. maintained csscntiilly in a suaight lint with tbt propdJa Ttyc bezel in the arm allows the drive belt to pass betwan the frame, while the um raids outside the frame T'bc u:K of a rigid arm climinua the nood for a housing and is fully ~bmasiblc in woes A male clamp member troy be provided forward oC the propella drive assembly, fa trimming the propdla The rigid um rats on the malt clamp member, so that the tnalc clamp member ca~o be moved toward the forward or rear of the flouation device until thr proper propeller angle is achieved to The aanl mahanism can be a chain sprockrt with pedals connected to the propdfa drive uscmbly arch that ttK propdla drive assembly roceiva rotational forces fiom the aanb: machanssm These routiorval forces are translucd to a propdla and uhimately drive the f)oazation dev~cc !'orwud The aanJc mahanism can be sdaptod to make the device move in a rearward du~ocaon A sproclet, a pair of foot paia~is, and a gear-cluriging daaillau may be couplod to the sprocjcot assrmbly A bicycle chain cc~rwrets the sprocket to the propdla drive assembly Figure 1 is a paspcctivc r~cw of the univasil platform 10 of the present invcrttion T'bc pluforrrt 10 has a fiarnc 14 which consists of two rail mcmbcn 16, i 8, 2D sad a longitudinal axis rcprarntcd by lint .0, a fus~t uxi 22 and a second end 24. T'be platform also has t pair oC transvasc m~rmbas 26, 28 theses arc adapted to roccive a pair of pomooos 30, 32 The second cod aC Ghx frame 14 supporu a rudder 34 that is used for stoering the ptatforia 10 arid a propeller drive assembly 36 thu drives the plufortn 10.
Figure 2 is a aors-sectional vitw of the adjustable attachment means 38 of the a praeat invcruioa The aurcrl!unrru mans 38 has a support arm 40, a cxoss bar 42, and a boh 44 The support arat 4U tus a firsa end 46 that is closely ra:eivod bctwexn the rail mceubax 16 and 18 Tbr. crossbar 42 defines a channel 43 (Sec Figure 3) that is closely racivcd by the fra,ane t4 The support arm 40 is prcfaably attachod to the crossbar 42 with a boh so that the support arm u,o easily be moved along the longitudinal axis of tbc 1o frame 14 Tbc fuu end 46 of the supp,~rt arm 40 defines an anrurlar shoulder 48 facing tbc first cad 46 that contacts the rail m~rmbrn 16, 18 of the frame l4 when the crossbar 42 is attached to the support um 40 Figure 3 is an aGplodod vicwr of the support arm attuhcd to the frame 14. The frame 1:1 has two outs side uufaccs S~D connccled to two inner side surfacts 52 by a top surface 54 and a bonom, surface S~, and the channel a3 defined by the crossbar 42 has tvo side swfaccs 58 canncrtod by x bottom swfuc 60, wherein the support arm 40 is in iruimatc coatact with the inns sidr surfaecx 5~ of the frame 14 and the bonom surface 60 of the crossbar The side styfaces 58 of the crossbar arc in intimue ecyntact with the outs' side siufaces 50 of the frame 1.1 Figure 4 is a cross-sertiortal view of a transverse nxmbcr .6 anuhed to the frame 14 A malt clamp mtmba 6: dcfin~ng a first charutcl ~ and a socond cW nrtcl 65 closely reccwcs rail members Ifor and I8 of thc~ frame 14 A fisicning rncuts or bolt 66 extends through a transvaic membu 26 aril into malt clamp mcmba 6?, such that the franc 14 is adjustably utxbod to transverx rrtcmba 26 Figwe 5 is a schematic vices of the univcrsaJ platform shown with a scat 68 and a is pads! and sprocl;a assrmbty 70 A cluin connects the pedal and sproct:a assembly 70 to the piopdler drive assembly 3b A stccrin~ lme 72 ix conrKCtod betwetn the rudder and a uesxing hutdls (not stwwny at~tachod to the scat 68 The scat is anuhed to the univaul plufonn !0 with a scxond inuhment means ~t0, thus the scat can be tnove~d forward a bacl to suit tbc noels oftlx usa In addition, the pedal and sprocket asxmbly 70 is attactxd to tbc platform with an atuchrr~ent means 4l, so that it may be adjusted bagitudinally Figure 6 is a schcmuic vices of thr second end of the univas~al platform, showing a scat ?4 that may be used with a ra;lining bul portion 75 to form x rcarmbent stating cycle A umdud pedal and sproc~:a assembly life the one shown in Figwe 5 can be 1s used with the seat 74 ~, uesring lrne 7: is provided bc~wan the ruddy and a stowing handle ?6 adjacrnt to the scat 74 The propdlcr drive ass.rmbly 36 has a xtandard bicycle sprocla and can be fitted with a srarwd~~rd bicycle chain a.nd dasilleur Figure ? is a srbcmuic ~~ew o,f the propellor drive assembly 36 The asxmbly has a traasvase axle ?8, simile to a standard bicycle axle, disconr>ectably conrkcted to tlx rear mourttirtg braclcu 80 A drive 8cu assembly 8: is mounted concentrically about the axle comprising a chain sproclet t~,yidly coupled to xn upper drive belt sprocket 83 and fuss artd second bunngs fixed at opposite rnds of the assembly and engaging the axle to allow the as.umbly to spin frrxly about the aalc x.~ shown is US
Pitcnt 5,547,406.
A rigid arm 8-i downwardly dcpcads from the axle 78 having a Iowa rnd 86 A
housirtg I10 supporting s Iowa bearing (or a flanged bushing) 112 (shown in Figure 8) is s anacbcd to the Iowa a>d 8b of the rigid arm 84 The lower beuing hu a reuwardly aarnding axis of rotation aloag the axis labclad y Figure 8 is an acplodod view of the housing I 10 shown is Figure 7. The lower bearing 112 has a propeller shaft 1 I al extrnding thcra~hrough with a Iowa drive belt sprocket l !b fixod to one rnd and x propeller I 18 6xod to the opposite rnd The bwa Jo bearing 112 comprises a pair of tlange~ bushings that arc prusod into the housing 110.
A oyba washes 120 is also provided to reduce paattitl friaioa between the housing and the lows drive belt sproclct The upper and laws d:nve belt sprockets 83, 116 arc providod with gxoova that oomplcrrknu the graava on the drive belt so that the drive belt soauely ectg~es the upper and Iowa drive belt sprockets The Iowa end of the is rigid arm is siu~d to be raccavcd by a slot 1 11 formKd is the housing The rigid arm also defines a slot I 13 that is s~oauod tee the housing with n bolt 115 The housing bas a threadod bolt hok (not shower) far thrcx~dir~ a stutdud bolt into the slat w that the length and tbacforc the tcnsioa oa the drive b~:lt may be adjusted to suit the uses rxods.
Referring back to Figure 7, as idles 4-i is couplod to the rigid arm 84 in contact with the upper drive bolt sprocket 83 The idles 9-1 is poxitionai to maintain treason oa the drive beh and kocp the drive CKtt from touching itsxlf while the propeller drier axselnbly is in a~otroa This is r~ecrss~xn~, bemuse the upper drive bolt sprocket 83 rotates about the axis labeis~d x which is gaaexsJly normal to the y-axis about which the propeller l 18 rotates so the bolt is twined to translate the rnotian from the upper drive belt sprocka 83 the bwa drive beh sprocka 11b 'TTK chain xprocket cluster 82 is freely accessible for ~emesu with a chain thu sin be associated with a aartk mechanism such as a podaJ
and sprorln assembly or that of a standard bicycle Figure 9 is an enlargers vices of the propeller drive asscmbiy 36 shown in Figure 1 The frame I~i box a sccoad crossbar 37 attaclkd to the top t~rfsce The sxoad male Zo damp tncmba 37 is adjusuble loa8;iaxiitully about the frame to aid in trimming the propeller, such that the rigid um 8-1 of the propeller drier assembly can rest agzirtst the socvnd malt clamp member 37 Since the drive Scar asxmbly is freely rotuablc abaut the axle, the malt clamp member 37 also eliminates the need for any type of housing to ma.iatain the proprlla drive asxmbl;y in x given position The proptlla drive assembly will also easily rotuc upwudly when the propeller conurts submerged objects, 3 praeaing tbc propeller drive asscmblly from damage Figure 10 is x schemuic view of an additional embodiment of the presatt iavrntion Thr prcscru personal powaad tlauation dcviG;c un be powered using either band a loot pedals and can lx opcrstod for paraplegic use without further adaptation.
T'bc tame I4 has hand levers 96 and foa pcdxls 98, x propeller drive assembly 36. A
to ueaing mahanism engaging x ruddtx assembly touplod to the frame 14 and a scat (not shown), as dcxxibad about may lx couplad to the water flotation device The band levers 96 and foa prdals 98 can be pocibonod eccentrically one to anotl>er to round oux the circular rnotratt of the device 'fh~us, the %7oatuion device un lx propdlod using a~ arau or kgs and ix puaplcgic ready A first bicycie chain 106 connects sprocka is 105 w the propdle: drive assembly lei, and an upright frame membar 102 conrtocts a land-mutable :procjca head I Oa to the frame I.t A par of hand levers 96 arc attachod to the band-rotatable sprocha had IOa~ A second bicycle chain 100 cvnrxcts a second sproclca to tric foot-aauataf sproclct t~ody 105 The sprocla body I05 has two sets of gears, oat coupled to clfain 106 and the other coupled to e:hain 100. This allows the hand levers and upright franc mcmtxr ! 0 2 to be rotxtcd as shown by the allow about axis z without efl-octing the chain length ~~hcn the operator is using the Hand levers, the foot poda.ls will also rotate An optional securing device can !x providod to secure intact but aoc~-functioning limbs to either the land levers or to the foot pedals In addition, the housing J ! 0 ,hxs a slcg 1:0 mounted thaoon to protoct the 23 propeller from objexu under the wata~ tl~ut it may encounter lYilile the foregoing is diraned to the prcfrncd embodiment of the present inventioct, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without deparwtg from the basic scope thaea~f The su~pc of the invention is determinod by tht c4itns which follow
More specifically, it is preferred that the first end of the support arm defines an annular shoulder facing the first end. The shoulder contacts the rail members of the frame when the crossbar is attached to the support arm. Thus, the frame has two outer WO 00/13968 PC,'T/US99/20515 sidr surficrs, conr>ectal to twn inrxx side surfaces by a top surfau and a bottom surfact.
Tbc charurcl dcfiaod by the uossbu hu two side surfaces connoctod by a bosom uuface.
The support um is in intimate corttux with the inner side surfaces of the frame and the bosom wrface of tbc uossbu, uud the side surfaces of the uossbu uc in intimate s toaua with the outs side ssrrfaucs of thr &amc when the support arm is seauely atgagod with the frsms Therefore, vvhcn the attacttmcnt rrxans is in plats, the support arm hu multiple points of coruactt, thus resisting any axial, tataal or other type of movamcru This type of adjustable a tachmcnt means is useful, because it is simple in design yet provides a u,tble toad bcuung support that c:ut be adjustod in position to suit to the roads of the uses 'fbc support arm un be made from uainlexs stay aluminum of other tugh sua>,gth, rigid tnucru!
The propclla drive assembly usod in the presrnt invention includes a transverse axle discoaacctably conrscctod to a p»r rear mounting braclcts rnouate~d on the frame.
The rear mounting braclets ue mckwtod to the frame using an attachrtsent means as is dcsuibed above what the bracla is attached to the saond rnd of the support arm. A
drive gear assembly is mouated coauxstricxlly about the axle and tsar a chain sprocket rigidly :roupkd to an upper drive belt sprocket and fus~t and second bearings fixod at opposite rnds of the assrmbly which engage with the axle to allow the assembly to spot >ieely about the txk A rigid ar>rt ~do~wnwardly depends from the axle having a lower ~o end A tows beuing is utuhed to the Iowa aui of tbc rigid arm, what the Iowa bearing lass a rcarwudly cxtcrtding axis of rotation that is gcaaally normal to the upper drive belt sproc,~ca axis of rotation A propclla shaft cx~tcads through the Iowa beuing with a propdla atuchod to a fuse end and a lower drive belt sprocket couplod to a sacond end A drive bch atgxga the uppa~ a.nd Iowa driv-c belt sprockets such that the drive 1s belt passrs ova the idles The drive belt is a sxandud tirr,ing belt with grooves. An idler is coupled to the rigid arm adjacent ttk upper drive kxtt sproclet The idly is adaptod to align the drive heft so that it passes thfo~ugh the rails withwxrt touching the rails The idler tray alw be usod to asairuain trnsioa oa the belt The chain sprocjcet cluster is fretly accessible for engagement with a bicyclr chain or other chain so that pedaling tbt bicycle cause the propdla to push the flotatiort device forward The rigid arm provides a paint of attachment for the drive gear assembly, tbt idles, and the propcUa The arm is bKnt such thu the assscmbly can be mountod an the frame and the drive gar assembly is. maintained csscntiilly in a suaight lint with tbt propdJa Ttyc bezel in the arm allows the drive belt to pass betwan the frame, while the um raids outside the frame T'bc u:K of a rigid arm climinua the nood for a housing and is fully ~bmasiblc in woes A male clamp member troy be provided forward oC the propella drive assembly, fa trimming the propdla The rigid um rats on the malt clamp member, so that the tnalc clamp member ca~o be moved toward the forward or rear of the flouation device until thr proper propeller angle is achieved to The aanl mahanism can be a chain sprockrt with pedals connected to the propdfa drive uscmbly arch that ttK propdla drive assembly roceiva rotational forces fiom the aanb: machanssm These routiorval forces are translucd to a propdla and uhimately drive the f)oazation dev~cc !'orwud The aanJc mahanism can be sdaptod to make the device move in a rearward du~ocaon A sproclet, a pair of foot paia~is, and a gear-cluriging daaillau may be couplod to the sprocjcot assrmbly A bicycle chain cc~rwrets the sprocket to the propdla drive assembly Figure 1 is a paspcctivc r~cw of the univasil platform 10 of the present invcrttion T'bc pluforrrt 10 has a fiarnc 14 which consists of two rail mcmbcn 16, i 8, 2D sad a longitudinal axis rcprarntcd by lint .0, a fus~t uxi 22 and a second end 24. T'be platform also has t pair oC transvasc m~rmbas 26, 28 theses arc adapted to roccive a pair of pomooos 30, 32 The second cod aC Ghx frame 14 supporu a rudder 34 that is used for stoering the ptatforia 10 arid a propeller drive assembly 36 thu drives the plufortn 10.
Figure 2 is a aors-sectional vitw of the adjustable attachment means 38 of the a praeat invcruioa The aurcrl!unrru mans 38 has a support arm 40, a cxoss bar 42, and a boh 44 The support arat 4U tus a firsa end 46 that is closely ra:eivod bctwexn the rail mceubax 16 and 18 Tbr. crossbar 42 defines a channel 43 (Sec Figure 3) that is closely racivcd by the fra,ane t4 The support arm 40 is prcfaably attachod to the crossbar 42 with a boh so that the support arm u,o easily be moved along the longitudinal axis of tbc 1o frame 14 Tbc fuu end 46 of the supp,~rt arm 40 defines an anrurlar shoulder 48 facing tbc first cad 46 that contacts the rail m~rmbrn 16, 18 of the frame l4 when the crossbar 42 is attached to the support um 40 Figure 3 is an aGplodod vicwr of the support arm attuhcd to the frame 14. The frame 1:1 has two outs side uufaccs S~D connccled to two inner side surfacts 52 by a top surface 54 and a bonom, surface S~, and the channel a3 defined by the crossbar 42 has tvo side swfaccs 58 canncrtod by x bottom swfuc 60, wherein the support arm 40 is in iruimatc coatact with the inns sidr surfaecx 5~ of the frame 14 and the bonom surface 60 of the crossbar The side styfaces 58 of the crossbar arc in intimue ecyntact with the outs' side siufaces 50 of the frame 1.1 Figure 4 is a cross-sertiortal view of a transverse nxmbcr .6 anuhed to the frame 14 A malt clamp mtmba 6: dcfin~ng a first charutcl ~ and a socond cW nrtcl 65 closely reccwcs rail members Ifor and I8 of thc~ frame 14 A fisicning rncuts or bolt 66 extends through a transvaic membu 26 aril into malt clamp mcmba 6?, such that the franc 14 is adjustably utxbod to transverx rrtcmba 26 Figwe 5 is a schematic vices of the univcrsaJ platform shown with a scat 68 and a is pads! and sprocl;a assrmbty 70 A cluin connects the pedal and sproct:a assembly 70 to the piopdler drive assembly 3b A stccrin~ lme 72 ix conrKCtod betwetn the rudder and a uesxing hutdls (not stwwny at~tachod to the scat 68 The scat is anuhed to the univaul plufonn !0 with a scxond inuhment means ~t0, thus the scat can be tnove~d forward a bacl to suit tbc noels oftlx usa In addition, the pedal and sprocket asxmbly 70 is attactxd to tbc platform with an atuchrr~ent means 4l, so that it may be adjusted bagitudinally Figure 6 is a schcmuic vices of thr second end of the univas~al platform, showing a scat ?4 that may be used with a ra;lining bul portion 75 to form x rcarmbent stating cycle A umdud pedal and sproc~:a assembly life the one shown in Figwe 5 can be 1s used with the seat 74 ~, uesring lrne 7: is provided bc~wan the ruddy and a stowing handle ?6 adjacrnt to the scat 74 The propdlcr drive ass.rmbly 36 has a xtandard bicycle sprocla and can be fitted with a srarwd~~rd bicycle chain a.nd dasilleur Figure ? is a srbcmuic ~~ew o,f the propellor drive assembly 36 The asxmbly has a traasvase axle ?8, simile to a standard bicycle axle, disconr>ectably conrkcted to tlx rear mourttirtg braclcu 80 A drive 8cu assembly 8: is mounted concentrically about the axle comprising a chain sproclet t~,yidly coupled to xn upper drive belt sprocket 83 and fuss artd second bunngs fixed at opposite rnds of the assembly and engaging the axle to allow the as.umbly to spin frrxly about the aalc x.~ shown is US
Pitcnt 5,547,406.
A rigid arm 8-i downwardly dcpcads from the axle 78 having a Iowa rnd 86 A
housirtg I10 supporting s Iowa bearing (or a flanged bushing) 112 (shown in Figure 8) is s anacbcd to the Iowa a>d 8b of the rigid arm 84 The lower beuing hu a reuwardly aarnding axis of rotation aloag the axis labclad y Figure 8 is an acplodod view of the housing I 10 shown is Figure 7. The lower bearing 112 has a propeller shaft 1 I al extrnding thcra~hrough with a Iowa drive belt sprocket l !b fixod to one rnd and x propeller I 18 6xod to the opposite rnd The bwa Jo bearing 112 comprises a pair of tlange~ bushings that arc prusod into the housing 110.
A oyba washes 120 is also provided to reduce paattitl friaioa between the housing and the lows drive belt sproclct The upper and laws d:nve belt sprockets 83, 116 arc providod with gxoova that oomplcrrknu the graava on the drive belt so that the drive belt soauely ectg~es the upper and Iowa drive belt sprockets The Iowa end of the is rigid arm is siu~d to be raccavcd by a slot 1 11 formKd is the housing The rigid arm also defines a slot I 13 that is s~oauod tee the housing with n bolt 115 The housing bas a threadod bolt hok (not shower) far thrcx~dir~ a stutdud bolt into the slat w that the length and tbacforc the tcnsioa oa the drive b~:lt may be adjusted to suit the uses rxods.
Referring back to Figure 7, as idles 4-i is couplod to the rigid arm 84 in contact with the upper drive bolt sprocket 83 The idles 9-1 is poxitionai to maintain treason oa the drive beh and kocp the drive CKtt from touching itsxlf while the propeller drier axselnbly is in a~otroa This is r~ecrss~xn~, bemuse the upper drive bolt sprocket 83 rotates about the axis labeis~d x which is gaaexsJly normal to the y-axis about which the propeller l 18 rotates so the bolt is twined to translate the rnotian from the upper drive belt sprocka 83 the bwa drive beh sprocka 11b 'TTK chain xprocket cluster 82 is freely accessible for ~emesu with a chain thu sin be associated with a aartk mechanism such as a podaJ
and sprorln assembly or that of a standard bicycle Figure 9 is an enlargers vices of the propeller drive asscmbiy 36 shown in Figure 1 The frame I~i box a sccoad crossbar 37 attaclkd to the top t~rfsce The sxoad male Zo damp tncmba 37 is adjusuble loa8;iaxiitully about the frame to aid in trimming the propeller, such that the rigid um 8-1 of the propeller drier assembly can rest agzirtst the socvnd malt clamp member 37 Since the drive Scar asxmbly is freely rotuablc abaut the axle, the malt clamp member 37 also eliminates the need for any type of housing to ma.iatain the proprlla drive asxmbl;y in x given position The proptlla drive assembly will also easily rotuc upwudly when the propeller conurts submerged objects, 3 praeaing tbc propeller drive asscmblly from damage Figure 10 is x schemuic view of an additional embodiment of the presatt iavrntion Thr prcscru personal powaad tlauation dcviG;c un be powered using either band a loot pedals and can lx opcrstod for paraplegic use without further adaptation.
T'bc tame I4 has hand levers 96 and foa pcdxls 98, x propeller drive assembly 36. A
to ueaing mahanism engaging x ruddtx assembly touplod to the frame 14 and a scat (not shown), as dcxxibad about may lx couplad to the water flotation device The band levers 96 and foa prdals 98 can be pocibonod eccentrically one to anotl>er to round oux the circular rnotratt of the device 'fh~us, the %7oatuion device un lx propdlod using a~ arau or kgs and ix puaplcgic ready A first bicycie chain 106 connects sprocka is 105 w the propdle: drive assembly lei, and an upright frame membar 102 conrtocts a land-mutable :procjca head I Oa to the frame I.t A par of hand levers 96 arc attachod to the band-rotatable sprocha had IOa~ A second bicycle chain 100 cvnrxcts a second sproclca to tric foot-aauataf sproclct t~ody 105 The sprocla body I05 has two sets of gears, oat coupled to clfain 106 and the other coupled to e:hain 100. This allows the hand levers and upright franc mcmtxr ! 0 2 to be rotxtcd as shown by the allow about axis z without efl-octing the chain length ~~hcn the operator is using the Hand levers, the foot poda.ls will also rotate An optional securing device can !x providod to secure intact but aoc~-functioning limbs to either the land levers or to the foot pedals In addition, the housing J ! 0 ,hxs a slcg 1:0 mounted thaoon to protoct the 23 propeller from objexu under the wata~ tl~ut it may encounter lYilile the foregoing is diraned to the prcfrncd embodiment of the present inventioct, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without deparwtg from the basic scope thaea~f The su~pc of the invention is determinod by tht c4itns which follow
Claims (18)
1 An apparatus comprising a frame having a longitudinal axis, x fast end and a second end, and two rail members positioned in a spaced apart relationship, at least two transverse members adjustably attached to the frame, having opposing ends extending away from the longitudinal axis of the frame, a first floatation member attached to one of the opposing ends of the transverse member, a second floatation member attached to the other opposing end of the transverse member;
at least one adjustable attachment means comprising a support arm and a crossbar, wherein the crossbar defines a channel that is closely received by the frame and the support arm has a first end that is closely received between the rail members of the frame, wherein the crossbar is removably attached to the first end of the support arm;
a propeller drive assembly attached to the second end of the support arm of the attachment means, a rudder attached to the frame, and a crank mechanism adjustably mounted on the frame
at least one adjustable attachment means comprising a support arm and a crossbar, wherein the crossbar defines a channel that is closely received by the frame and the support arm has a first end that is closely received between the rail members of the frame, wherein the crossbar is removably attached to the first end of the support arm;
a propeller drive assembly attached to the second end of the support arm of the attachment means, a rudder attached to the frame, and a crank mechanism adjustably mounted on the frame
2 The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a first adjustable attachment means is positioned near the first end of the frame and a bracket mounted on the first adjustable attachment means, wherein the crank mechanism is mounted on the bracket
3 The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the adjustable attachment means is adjustable along the longitudinal axis of the frame
4 The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fast end of the support arm defines an annular shoulder facing the first end that contacts the rail members of the frame when the crossbar is attached to the support arm
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame has two outs side surfaces connected to two inner side surfaces by a top surface and a bottom surface, and the channel defined by the crossbar has two side surfaces connected by a bottom surface, wherein the support arm is in intimate contact with the inner side surfaces of the frame, and the side surfaces of the crossbar are in intimate contact with the outer side surfaces of the frame
6 The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the crank mechanism comprises a pedal and chain sprocket assembly connected to the propeller drive assembly
7 The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the steering member comprises a rudder attached to the second end of the frame
8 The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the fast and second floatation members are pontoons that provide sufficient buoyancy and stability to support a self propelled device and a human on a surface of a body of water
9 The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the pontoon are slidably connected to the transverse members of the frame
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the frame further comprises a first male clamp member defining a pair of channels, wherein the rail members of the frame are closely received in the channels and a fastening means extending through one transverse member and into the male clamp member such that the transverse member is adjustably attached to the frame
11 The apparatus of claim 1, wheresn the frame further comprises a second male clamp member defining a par of channels, wherein the rail members of the frame are closely recieved in the channels and a fastening means extending through one transverse member and into the male clamp member such that the transverse member is adjustably attached to the frame
12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support arm forms a generally perpendicular angle with the longitudinal axis of the frame.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the support arm is angled toward the first end of the frame.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the attachment means is laterally adjustable between the first and second end of the frame.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the propeller drive assembly further comprises:
a transverse axle disconnectably connected to a rear mounting bracket, a drive gear assembly mounted concentrically about the axle comprising a chain sprocket rigidly coupled to an upper drive belt sprocket, and first and second bearings fixed at opposite ends of the assembly and engaging the axle to allow the assembly to spin freely about the axle, a rigid arm downwardly depending from the axle having a lower end, a lower bearing attached to the lower end of the rigid arm and having a rearwardly extending axis of rotation, a propeller shaft extending through the lower bearing having a propeller attached to a first end and a lower drive belt sprocket coupled to a second end;
a drive belt frictionally engaging the upper and lower drive belt sprockets;
and an idler coupled to the rigid arm in contact with the upper drive belt sprocket, wherein the idler is adapted to adjust the tension on the drive belt, wherein the chain sprocket cluster is freely accessible for engagement with a chain so that pedaling the crank mechanism causes the propeller to move the floatation device.
a transverse axle disconnectably connected to a rear mounting bracket, a drive gear assembly mounted concentrically about the axle comprising a chain sprocket rigidly coupled to an upper drive belt sprocket, and first and second bearings fixed at opposite ends of the assembly and engaging the axle to allow the assembly to spin freely about the axle, a rigid arm downwardly depending from the axle having a lower end, a lower bearing attached to the lower end of the rigid arm and having a rearwardly extending axis of rotation, a propeller shaft extending through the lower bearing having a propeller attached to a first end and a lower drive belt sprocket coupled to a second end;
a drive belt frictionally engaging the upper and lower drive belt sprockets;
and an idler coupled to the rigid arm in contact with the upper drive belt sprocket, wherein the idler is adapted to adjust the tension on the drive belt, wherein the chain sprocket cluster is freely accessible for engagement with a chain so that pedaling the crank mechanism causes the propeller to move the floatation device.
16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the rigid arm is curvilinear so that the rigid arm is positionable outside the frame when the drive belt is positioned between the rail members of the frame.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the propeller drive assembly is axially adjustable for the purpose of trimming the propeller to the desired height
18 The apparatus of clam 1, wherein the lower drive belt sprocket of the propeller drive assembly is submersible
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US09/149,397 | 1998-09-08 | ||
| US09/149,397 US6146218A (en) | 1998-09-08 | 1998-09-08 | Universal platform for human powered floatation devices |
| PCT/US1999/020515 WO2000013968A1 (en) | 1998-09-08 | 1999-09-08 | Universal platform for human powered floatation devices |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2305251A1 CA2305251A1 (en) | 2000-03-16 |
| CA2305251C true CA2305251C (en) | 2003-07-29 |
Family
ID=22530097
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002305251A Expired - Fee Related CA2305251C (en) | 1998-09-08 | 1999-09-08 | Universal platform for human powered floatation devices |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US6146218A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU5814399A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2305251C (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2000013968A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (14)
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| US6983948B2 (en) * | 2001-05-29 | 2006-01-10 | Cory Denison | Human powered device with removable flywheel power unit |
| US6712653B2 (en) * | 2001-07-06 | 2004-03-30 | James Jacob Free | Self-tensioning pedal drive mechanism for a human powered boat |
| US20030173755A1 (en) * | 2002-03-18 | 2003-09-18 | John Lachenmayer | Bicycle drive mechanism |
| ITCR20020010A1 (en) * | 2002-06-10 | 2003-12-10 | Gianpietro Solinas | MODULAR SYSTEM TO CREATE MOBILE VEHICLES OR STATIC MACHINES OPERATED BY HUMAN MUSCLE STRENGTH |
| ES2251644T3 (en) * | 2003-05-17 | 2006-05-01 | Klaus Spass | WATER SKATE. |
| US6942533B1 (en) | 2004-05-21 | 2005-09-13 | Roger T. Parsons | Floating aluminum box to protect dock workers |
| CN104968562A (en) | 2012-10-02 | 2015-10-07 | 贤振运动用品有限公司 | Water bicycle and water bicycle drive housing |
| KR101296309B1 (en) * | 2012-10-02 | 2013-08-13 | 최진욱 | Aqua bike |
| US9272761B2 (en) | 2013-08-27 | 2016-03-01 | Jerome C. Farmer | Angular velocity-controlled pontoon propulsion system |
| US20150335936A1 (en) * | 2014-05-21 | 2015-11-26 | Aqua Creek Products LLC | Aquatic Exercise Cycle |
| CN204432920U (en) * | 2014-12-11 | 2015-07-01 | 陈帆竞 | A kind of afterbody prolonged type inflation boat |
| US9796464B1 (en) * | 2016-12-02 | 2017-10-24 | Keith Sand | Human driven water propulsion device |
| US10427769B1 (en) * | 2016-12-29 | 2019-10-01 | Patrick D. Garrett | System of brackets and rails for attaching wheels, towing, and accessory devices to small pontoon watercraft |
| US11358683B2 (en) | 2019-07-22 | 2022-06-14 | James M Perkins | Method and apparatus for reconfigurable boat deck modules |
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| US3570436A (en) * | 1969-04-28 | 1971-03-16 | Craig Le Vasseur | Submersible water bicycle |
| US3752111A (en) * | 1971-05-05 | 1973-08-14 | Crawfish Boat Co Inc | Pivoting motor boat drive unit |
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| US5702274A (en) * | 1995-07-06 | 1997-12-30 | White; Robert D. | Flotatation device propelled by human-powered ski machine |
| US5651706A (en) * | 1995-10-23 | 1997-07-29 | Kasper; Gary A. | Collapsible pontoon pedal boat |
-
1998
- 1998-09-08 US US09/149,397 patent/US6146218A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1999
- 1999-09-08 CA CA002305251A patent/CA2305251C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1999-09-08 AU AU58143/99A patent/AU5814399A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1999-09-08 WO PCT/US1999/020515 patent/WO2000013968A1/en active Application Filing
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU5814399A (en) | 2000-03-27 |
| WO2000013968A1 (en) | 2000-03-16 |
| WO2000013968A9 (en) | 2000-08-10 |
| CA2305251A1 (en) | 2000-03-16 |
| US6146218A (en) | 2000-11-14 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |